Definition
To nullify means to cancel out the legal or binding effect of something, or to make it invalid or of no use. It is to declare something void or ineffective, or to counteract its impact or influence.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb
Synonyms
Invalidate, annul, void, negate, cancel, revoke, abolish, quash, abrogate, rescind.
Antonyms
Validate, approve, authorize, confirm, endorse, establish, enact, ratify, sanctify.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | nullifier, nullifiers, nullification, nullifications |
| Verb | nullifying, nullifies, nullify, nullified |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The court nullified the contract between the two parties, citing a breach of its terms and conditions.
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The new evidence was strong enough to nullify the earlier testimony and lead to a different verdict in the case.
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The company nullified the employment agreement of the worker who had violated its code of conduct.
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The storm nullified the effects of the pesticides sprayed on the crops, leading to significant losses for the farmers.
Usage
The word “nullify” is often used in legal and political contexts to refer to the cancellation of an agreement, law, or decision. It may also be used in a broader sense to mean to negate or counteract the effects of something, such as an action or a statement. The word is derived from the Latin word “nullus,” which means “none” or “void,” and is often used in combination with other prefixes or suffixes, such as “pre-nullify” or “nullification,” to create related words.
In legal terms, nullification refers to the act of declaring a law or a decision as invalid, usually by a higher authority. This may occur when a law is found to be unconstitutional or when a decision is deemed to be based on false information or bias. Nullification is often used as a last resort when other methods of resolving a dispute have failed.
In other contexts, nullify may be used to describe the action of canceling or revoking a contract, an agreement, or a license. For example, a driver’s license may be nullified if the driver is found to have violated traffic laws or other regulations. Similarly, a company may nullify a contract with a supplier if the supplier fails to meet the terms of the agreement.
Overall, nullify is a powerful word that conveys the idea of canceling or rendering something ineffective. It is often used in serious and consequential situations, where the consequences of its use may have significant impact.